Marvel Expands Presence in Sporting Goods Category

Santa Cruz Skateboards celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Jim Phillips’ Screaming Hand design, with a line of decks, completes, cruzers, and T-Shirts featuring designs inspired by Spider-Man, Venom, Thor, and Wolverine. Products are available in stores now.

Madd Gear Scooters will introduce a line of Pro Scooters with imagery featuring Captain America, Spider-Man, Hulk, and more this September, and SMS Audio will released its new line of Marvel-inspired headphones featuring members of the Avengers team, including Iron Man, Black Widow, and Captain American this August.

Rubie’s Costume Co. Introduces Marvel Ant-Man Costumes

The Ant-Man collection includes Ant-Man and Yellow Jacket costumes available in child and adult sizes.

“We are thrilled to partner with Marvel on the new Ant-Man Costume Collection,” says Howard Beige, Rubie’s executive vice president. “By expanding Marvels superhero repertoire, fans of all ages can enjoy these characters for both Halloween and dress up.”

The Ant-Man costume collection will be available this Halloween season.

eOne Entertainment to Release New Peppa Pig DVD

Peppa Pig is getting ready to go back to school with the new DVD release, Peppa Pig: School Bus Trip from Entertainment One (eOne). The new title will launch as a special DVD plus Scholastic Mini Book Gift Set, which will include the mini book title Class Trip.

In Peppa Pig: School Bus Trip, Peppa and her school friends take a trip to the mountains, where she and her classmates have fun hearing echoes, having a picnic, and singing the “Bing Bong Song” on the bus ride home. The DVD will also be available for digital download.

Limited Edition Simpsons Apparel Collection to Launch this Summer

Neff Headwear and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products will unveil a limited edition designer apparel collection based on the TV show The Simpsons. The product line will include T-shirts, joggers, flannels, and accessories featuring a fresh spin on the show’s iconic characters. Fans can shop for pieces in all Tilly’s, PacSun, and Zumiez stores, as well as in select retailers nationwide and online.

Radz Launches Shopkins Candy Dispensers

Radz Brands will launch a line of Shopkins candy dispensers featuring four popular Shopkins characters: Snow Crush, Strawberry Kiss, Bubbles, and Lolli Poppins. Each dispenser comes with a mini character poster and a pack of Radz Shopkins Candy.

To operate, consumers pull the character’s hair or hat back and the tongue pops out the candy. Fans can collect them all and mix and match the dispensers’ interchangeable hair and hats to create their own unique characters.

Radz Shopkins Candy Dispensers and Refill Packs will be available in November.

CBS Consumer Products Releases Dexter: Hidden Darkness Game Globally

CBS Consumer Products, in partnership with Showtime and Michael C. Hall, has released Dexter: Hidden Darkness on iOS.

The app, developed by BlooBuzz Studios Inc., is available in six languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese) in major countries, with an upcoming release on Android. Players and fans take on the role of Dexter Morgan, and find hidden clues throughout various crime scenes; solve puzzles to uncover the evidence left behind; team up with characters from the show, including Debra, Harry, Batista, and Masuka; follow Harry’s Code to guide your secret instincts; and feed your Dark Passenger on Miami’s most dangerous criminals.

Bluestar Alliance Acquires Limited Too

"Limited Too is a girl’s market leader with a solid foundation of brand loyalty," says Ralph Gindi, COO of Bluestar Alliance. "Over the years Limited Too has brought fun and joy to children's fashion shopping experiences and holds a special place with the millennial moms who are now having children of their own."

Simultaneously with the closing, Limited Too has signed on licensing partners, including Longstreet Apparel for girls sportswear; Jay Franco and Sons for bed and bath; United Legwear for hosiery and sleepwear; and H.E.R Accessories for jewelry, hair, and cosmetic collections.

MGA Re-launches Bratz

MGA Entertainment has re-launched the Bratz line of fashion dolls with a new look. The core Bratz dolls, Cloe, Yasmin, Jade, and Sasha, return along with the newest member to their group of besties, Raya. The re-launch features a new line of products, revolutionary entertainment content, and an immersive app that inspires girls of all ages to creatively express themselves in both the physical and virtual world.

Bratz was one of the top properties in the total toy market for three years in a row. In 2004 and 2005 Bratz held a bigger percentage of the market share than Barbie.

To support the global reintroduction of the Bratz brand, MGAE has partnered with several leading agencies including Droga5, a Manhattan-based global advertising agency and AdWeek’s 2014 Agency of the Year; Generation Media, Carousel PR, Fullscreen, a global network of content creators and
Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, a production studio specializing in groundbreaking animations.

Licensing partners that have signed on for the re-launch of Bratz, include Cardinal Games, Fantasia, Franco Manufacturing, Handcraft Manufacturing, and Horizon.

Marvel Unveils Products Inspired by Ant-Man

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) and Marvel are bringing Super Hero adventures to larger than life proportions with the launch of the new product collection inspired by Marvel’s Ant-Man, in theaters now. The cross-category product lineup ranges from costumes, construction sets, action figures and more from licensees Hasbro, LEGO, Funko, Hot Wheels, Her Universe, New Era, Rubie’s and Uncle Milton.

Additionally, readers will be able to dive even deeper into Marvel’s Ant-Man universe with books that leverage the storytelling of the Marvel Universe. From chapter books to leveled readers to enhanced audio eBooks, the film is supported through a robust publishing program from Disney Publishing Worldwide, Marvel Publishing and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Kidscreen 2016 to Expand Conference Program

Kidscreen Summit is expanding its conference program to four full days in 2016, and bringing its popular iKids sessions that focus on all things digital for children into the main event.

Set to run from February 8 to 11, Kidscreen Summit 2016 will once again take place at the InterContinental Miami, a contemporary luxury hotel located on prime waterfront in downtown Miami, and just minutes away from South Beach, the Design District, Coconut Grove’s bohemian village, and the many galleries, restaurants, and boutique shops in Coral Gables.

Last year, the Summit made a highly successful move to relocate from New York to Miami, setting a new attendance record with over 1,700 delegates. Kidscreen Summit 2015 welcomed attendees from 54 countries around the world, including more than 450 kids programming buyers and investors looking for new content and partners.

EUROPE

BBC’s Countryfile Coming to Blenheim Palace

Four days in August 2016 will see BBC Countryfile, Britain’s most watched factual television show, brought to life in a new countryside event.

BBC Worldwide in conjunction with SME London have announced their plans to stage a new outdoor countryside event, Countryfile Live, at Blenheim Palace from the 4-7th August 2016. Countryfile is Britain’s most watched factual programme with a regular audience of more than 6 million viewers. Working in partnership with the National Trust and other key rural organisations, Countryfile Live will display the very best of the living countryside.

The aim of the event is to bring the award-winning elements of this very popular programme to a live audience in an educating and entertaining environment. Countryfile Live will enable visitors to explore every aspect of the British countryside through a series of hands-on activities, talks and unique interactive features. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the inaugural event throughout an action packed 4-day open period.

New Gruffalo Cake to Hit Shelves

Magic Light Pictures has announced the launch of a new Gruffalo Cakes range, in collaboration with licensee Park Cakes.

As part of the range, a 2D Terribly Tasty Gruffalo Chocolate Party Cake is now available in 278 Tesco stores nationwide.

Bakery company Park Cakes is also developing a 3D moulded Gruffalo shaped cake and tray bake, which will hit the shelves later this year.

Daryl Shute, Brand Director, Magic Light Pictures says: “It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to extend the Gruffalo brand and allow children to further immerse themselves in this magical world through delicious food and treats. Working with Park Cakes has also been a real treat. It’s important for us to partner with licensees who are leaders in their field to develop bespoke flavours and innovative designs. Not only do Park take great care in the ingredients they use and the products they create, but they also share the same values as we do – making them the perfect partner.”

Smiley and Pantone Partner for Beachwear

Pantone Universe and Smiley have teamed up to create a complete range of minimal, yet vibrant beachwear for men and women.

This collaboration launches exclusively in the Pantone Universe x Smiley pop up store at Boxpark, Shoreditch until August 31st 2015.

The pop up shop will act as a teaser ahead of the launch for SS16 of a full collection, which will be distributed through worldwide concept stores, Pantone Universe flagship stores and online.

DHX Brands Appoints Giochi Preziosi for Teletubbies

DHX Brands has signed an agreement with Giochi Preziosi to distribute Teletubbies toys in Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Rollout of the line, which includes all plush, plastics, and bath toys from master toy Character Options, is expected to commence in each territory following broadcast. The deal follows the license of the new and classic Teletubbies to Rai for its preschool-skewing channel, Rai YoYo.

Character World Launches Paw Patrol Range

Character World has launched an exclusive bedding and accessories range featuring pre-school Nickelodeon hit Paw Patrol.

Conceived by Keith Chapman, creator of Bob the Builder, Paw Patrol has become one of the top pre-school properties in the market. Character World has launched a full Paw Patrol range including junior and single duvets sets, towels, ponchos, toddler beds and cushions. The products are available to retailers across the UK.

Tim Kilby, brand director at Character World, said: “Paw Patrol has become a global phenomenon and is gaining momentum all the time. It has exceeded all expectations and has quickly become one of Nickelodeon’s top pre-school shows. With strong programming in place and plans for new character additions, we can see this brand having a long term future and we’re delighted to be on board.Due to the demand from retailers we’ve already expanded our range of products.

“Although Paw Patrol began as a boy’s brand, it’s also connecting with girls, and I can see it getting bigger and bigger in this market too.”
Nickelodeon recently announced that Paw Patrol has been renewed for a third season (20 episodes) to be released later this year.

Paw Patrol joins a number of other licenses in Character World’s pre-school portfolio including Peppa Pig, Thomas & Friends, Mickey Mouse and Sofia the First.

Zodiak Kids Signs Sky Deal

Zodiak Kids has announced a deal with Sky for the rights to over 150 episodes of CBeebies shows Waybuloo and Mister Maker. The episodes will be available in the UK & Eire through Sky’s On Demand service and via its mobile TV service Sky Go. Sky recently announced a major increase in the number of episodes of the kids shows available in its on demand library.

Mister Makers, produced by Zodiak Kids Studios UK, is currently in production with its seventh series Mister Maker’s Arty Party (26 x 19’). Series 1–3 of pre-school arts and crafts entertainment favourite Mister Maker will now be available on Sky On Demand and Sky Go.

Sky has also taken 100 episodes of Waybuloo.

Oily Rag Appoints KDBC/MHG for Suck – Squeeze – Bang - Blow

SSBB’s origins lie in the world of the four stroke, internal combustion engine but the brand is now playing on the double entendre. Already well established in women’s apparel and underwear, Oily Rag Clothing and Mel from the newly formed MHG Licensing are “excited at the prospect of opening up SSBB to today’s market for both women and men."

Coolabi Signs Signature for Clangers

Coolabi Group has signed a new deal with Signature Entertainment, for the DVD and digital release of the new series of the Clangers.

Following the show’s successful launch on the UK’s CBeebies, Signature Entertainment will distribute the Clangers series on DVD to supermarkets, online DVD stores and the growing non-traditional DVD retailers, to be available in Autumn 2015.

In addition, the digital side of the deal sees the Clangers series available now on DTO via high profile outlets including iTunes, Amazon, xBox, Google and Blinkbox.

Marc Goldberg, MD of Signature Entertainment says: “It is with tremendous pride that we announce our partnership with Coolabi for the digital and DVD release of The Clangers. This cherished brand garnered an extraordinary level of anticipation ahead of broadcast, so it is with great excitement that we can bring it to market for digital and DVD consumers this year.”

Valerie Fry, Director of Licensing at Coolabi comments: “Clangers has been incredibly well received with huge buzz around the successful launch, meaning the DVD and Digital distribution deal for the show is vital. We are extremely impressed with Signature Entertainment’s experience and success in the sector, and are delighted to announce them as our partner.”

Doozers Debuts on Germany’s KiKa, New Partners Signed

The Jim Henson Company’s CG-animated preschool series Doozers recently commenced broadcast on Germany’s KiKa coinciding with the signing of additional new media partners for the series.
Additional new media partners include the UK’s Video On Demand 365 Ltd. (VOD 365) who has acquired subscription VOD rights to the series; and Letson Corporation Ltd. who has acquired ad-supported VOD rights for Russia.
The Doozers is a co-production of The Jim Henson Company and DHX Media. The series celebrates the spirit of being an innovator, and inspires all kids to have an “I can do it” attitude.

ZenWorks Co, Ltd, the Japanese and international licensing business consultancy and developer of the English for Global Licensing (EGL) English communications skills learning project, announces Japan’s first-ever regular business English skills course for the Japanese licensing and creative contents industry.

The kick-off semester for the EGL regular course will begin on Wednesday 9th September and run for 12 sessions through to March 2016.

Two programs will be offered for beginner and intermediate level learners. The one for beginners will teach basic English communications, emphasizing a licensing environment. The intermediate level program will teach higher skills needed to communicate effectively in licensing globally.

Both programs will be held at a convenient venue near the Apple Store in Shibuya, Tokyo. Tuition fees are set at 38,000 yen (beginner) and 50,000 yen (intermediate excluding tax).

Roger Berman, President of ZenWorks and originator of the EGL program, comments: “Japan’s globalization and the increasingly borderless nature of the licensing industry has a need for specialist English communication skills. Our EGL program was specifically created to meet various needs within the Japanese licensing community.”

EGL was first launched in 2013 with a series of workshops focusing on teaching corporate presentation and pitching skills. Staff from various companies such as d-rights, Benelic, Green Camel, Crown Creative, Bandai Namco, Benesse Corporation and Furyu, successfully completed these workshops.

Winx Fairies Head to South Africa

Rainbow has announced that Winx Club will appear on South African screens this month, thanks to a deal with ETV – one of the country’s leading free to air channels.
The channel is broadcasting Winx Club series five and six from July 16th and the launch will be accompanied by a massive ETV marketing campaign across TV, press and digital media.
ETV will also be running a competition, in partnership with Rainbow, that will see a few lucky fans win exclusive dolls, which will hit South African shelves from November.
“We are delighted ETV is beaming the magic of Winx Club into South African homes,” says Andrea Graciotti, Head of Sales and Co-Production at Rainbow. “The many Winx fans across the country will be thrilled to see their favourite fairies on TV!”
“OpenView HD is excited to welcome Bloom and her five best friends from The Winx Club onto eToons+ (Channel 200). The global success and following of The Winx Club is testament to the value that the brand offers. We hope that South African kids will grow to love the Winx fairies as much as the rest of the world. OpenView HD is a platform that gives South African Audiences free access to quality entertainment,” says Shalamar Zandamela (OpenView HD Marketing).

EMPLOYMENT

A feature of the Total Licensing Weekly Report is the Employment section - this includes 'Jobs Available' and 'Jobs Wanted'. So if you have a position in your company that needs to be filled, or you yourself are looking for employment opportunities, don't hesitate to send your information to:

JOB POSTING

Licensing DirectorAccutime Watch Corp. - New York, NY

Job Description:
The primary responsibilities of the Licensing Director is to identify, develop, negotiate and manage our day-to-day licensing business relationships and associated licensing responsibilities. This “roll-up-your-sleeves” position also develops research and prospecting strategies for licensing opportunities. The Licensing Director is also responsible to develop and merchandise licensed product by working closely with management and the design and sales teams to drive product to market, as well as be the liaison with licensors to obtain style guides and interpret product and design needs for each of our retail customers. In addition to the creative component, the position involves considerable interaction with major consumer products companies to facilitate contract acquisition and renewal as well as sales forecasting, royalty reporting and tracking. Licensing experience in consumer product development, production, merchandising, acquisition and management for a manufacturer and firsthand working relationship experience with major licensors: DISNEY, Marvel, Nickelodeon, WB, DC, etc., a must.

JOB POSTING

The Director of International Licensing will be responsible for managing the international agents and licensees for the Care Bears and Holly Hobbie consumer products program as well as targeted properties in the AGP portfolio that are either existing and new brands. Candidate will manage day-to-day activities that include negotiating agency agreements, review and approval of all licensee deal memos and leveraging North American marketing activities. They should be collaborative and innovative in their business approach. 5-7 years of international licensing experience is required.

JOB POSTING

The Director of Domestic Licensing will be responsible for building and managing the US and Canadian (domestic) Care Bears consumer products program as well as targeted properties in the AGP portfolio that are either existing and new brands. Candidate will prospect and acquire new licenses, manage existing licensees, pursue and drive retail initiatives and partner collaborations. Candidate should have 5-7+ years of experience in licensing industry working in a sales and/or brand management/marketing function pitching properties, securing deals, negotiating business deal points and managing licensees -- preferably in the children entertainment sector.

We are pleased to offer you this free newsletter but do not wish to send unwanted email. If you wish to unsubscribe from future emails, please click here and you will be removed with in the week.

For further information about Adventure Publishing Group or our other publications
The Licensing Book, The Toy Book, or The Toy Report
email us at subscribe@adventurepub.com
or visit our Web site at www.AdventurePub.com
Adventure Publishing Group 307 7th Avenue, Suite 1601, New York, NY 10001 U.S.A
(p) 212-575-4510